{"id":5307,"date":"2022-10-26T09:46:58","date_gmt":"2022-10-26T16:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=5307"},"modified":"2024-02-08T08:26:59","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T16:26:59","slug":"zoloft-vs-viibryd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/zoloft-vs-viibryd\/","title":{"rendered":"Zoloft vs. Viibryd"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you suffer from depression, you have most likely heard of the drug Zoloft. But what about Viibryd? There are a number of medications used in the treatment of depression, and finding which medication is best for you can be a challenging process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoloft<\/a> and Viibryd belong to the class of drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are among the most commonly prescribed medications for major depressive disorder and various anxiety disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although both medications belong to the same drug class and work in a similar fashion, there are a number of differences between the two medications, including dosing and side effects, which should be considered before starting a new medication. In this article, we will help you understand the similarities and differences between the two medications with a side-by-side comparison guide so you can be well-informed when pursuing depression treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from anxiety or depression and are interested in learning which medication may be right for you, Klarity can help. Book your appointment today and be seen by a licensed healthcare provider to get depression treatment<\/a> within 48 hours, if applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Zoloft<\/th>Viibryd<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name for sertraline<\/td>Brand name for vilazodone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension
\n
\n\u2022 Immediate-release, color-coded tablets
\n<\/td>		Immediate release tablets, Extended-release capsules
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Liquid suspension
\n\u2022 20 mg of sertraline per dose
\n
\nStandard tablet dosages:
\n\u2022 Green indicates 25 mg
\n\u2022 Blue indicates 50 mg
\n\u2022 Pinkish-red indicates 100 mg
\n<\/td>		Color-coded immediate release tablets:
\n\u2022 10mg red
\n\u2022 20mg yellow
\n\u2022 40mg blue
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress (PTS)
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\n\u2022 Social anxiety disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Autism (mood stabilizing)
\n\u2022 Alcoholism
\n\u2022 Eating disorders
\n\u2022 Diabetic neuropathy
\n\u2022 Dementia
\n\u2022 Hot flashes
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\n\u2022 Fibromyalgia
\n\u2022 Migraines
\n\u2022 Personality disorders
\n\u2022 Tourette syndrome
\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation
\n<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Depression
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (sertraline):
\n\u2022 $4 to $25 for 30 days\u2019 worth
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $215 to $315 for a 30-day supply
\n
\n
\n<\/td>		Generic form (vilazodone):
\r\n\u2022 $15 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\nBrand-name:
\r\n\u2022 $340 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Nausea or indigestion
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or loose stool
\n\u2022 Tremors or twitching
\n\u2022 Decreased appetite and weight loss
\n\u2022 Bruising and muscle aches
\n\u2022 Decreased libido\/trouble orgasming
\n\u2022 Excessive sweating
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Heart arrhythmia
\n\u2022 Bleeding and liver injury
\n\u2022 Confusion and seizures
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\n\u2022 Changes in behavior
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Nausea
\r\n\u2022 Vomiting
\r\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\r\n\u2022 Insomnia
\r\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nSerious side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Seizures
\r\n\u2022 Blurred or tunnel vision
\r\n\u2022 Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
\r\n\u2022 Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
\r\n\u2022 Racing thoughts or unusual risk-taking behavior
\r\n\u2022 Decreased inhibitions, euphoria, or extreme sadness
\r\n\u2022 Headache or severe weakness
\r\n\u2022 Confusion or slurred speech
\r\n\u2022 Loss of coordination or feeling unsteady
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Pregnancy or breastfeeding
\n\u2022 Liver problems
\n\u2022 Epilepsy and seizure disorders
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 Thyroid disease
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 Blood thinners
\n\u2022 Antipsychotic and antiseizure medications
\n\u2022 Alcohol\u2014recreational and alcohol-based medications
\n<\/td>		Contraindicated conditions:
\r\n\u2022 Liver or kidney disease
\r\n\u2022 Bleeding or blood clotting disorders
\r\n\u2022 Narrow-angle glaucoma
\r\n\u2022 Epilepsy
\r\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\r\n\u2022 Sexual function issues
\r\n\u2022 A history of drug addiction
\r\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nDrug interactions:
\r\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\r\n\u2022 Pimozide or other Tourette's syndrome medications
\r\n\u2022 Thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications
\r\n\u2022 Stimulant medications, like Adderall
\r\n\u2022 Opioid-based painkillers
\r\n\u2022 Herbal supplements, such as St. John\u2019s Wort
\r\n\u2022 Tryptophan
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Zoloft?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Zoloft is the brand name of sertraline and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It belongs to the class of drugs called SSRIs, which work by blocking the reuptake of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoloft and other SSRIs have been proven to be some of the most effective medications for a number of depressive and anxiety disorders in both adolescents and adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forms and Doses of Zoloft <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zoloft is available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, and oral liquid solutions. Tablets and capsules are the most commonly prescribed form in adults, and the liquid form is typically used in adolescents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoloft tablets are available in the following dosage forms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • 25 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 50 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 100 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Zoloft is available in capsule form in the following doses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • 150 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 200 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Zoloft oral solution is available at 20 mg\/mL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The initial starting dose is typically 50 mg a day, which can then be increased in 25 mg increments as needed. The typical maximum dose is 200 mg a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Symptoms of Depression Zoloft Can Treat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Zoloft has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of depressive and anxiety disorders, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Major depressive disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Generalized anxiety disorder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Social anxiety disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Obsessive-compulsive disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Panic disorder & PTSD<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Some symptoms of depressive symptoms that are improved by Zoloft include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Elevation of mood<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Increased interest in pleasurable activities <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Improved sleep quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Increased energy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Improved appetite <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Off-Label Uses For Zoloft<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          The term \u201coff-label\u201d is used to describe all medical conditions that are not FDA-approved for use with a given medication. This does not mean that the medication is not effective in the treatment of a given disorder, as medications are often prescribed for off-label uses. FDA approval is often time-consuming and requires significant funding and resources for clinical trials, which acts as a major obstacle for a medication to have multiple FDA-approved uses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Some off-label uses for Zoloft include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Binge eating disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Body dysmorphic disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Bulimia nervosa <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Premature ejaculation <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Neuropathic pain <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Zoloft Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Zoloft is available in both name-brand and generic forms. Without insurance, the average 30-day supply can cost up to $400. Zoloft is covered by most health insurance plans, and coupon codes are available at most commercial pharmacies, which significantly lowers the cost of a 30-day supply to around $10 a month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Side Effects of Zoloft <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Adverse effects are associated with starting any medication, and everyone reacts differently to each medication. Of note, all SSRIs, including Zoloft, should be avoided or used with caution in elderly patients. This is due to the potential for an increased side effect profile, including electrolyte imbalances and a drop in blood pressure with positional changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Common side effects associated with Zoloft include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, GI upset  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Drowsiness or dizziness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Dry mouth <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Loss of appetite <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Increased sweating <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Decreased libido, sexual dysfunction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Muscle cramps or weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Tremor <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Zoloft Warnings For Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              It is important to note that there have been reported incidences of worsening depression and increased suicidal ideation, especially in the adolescent population. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm behaviors, contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious drug reaction that occurs when excess serotonin levels are built up within your body. If you begin to experience any of the following side effects, call your healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • High fever <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Irregular heartbeat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Agitation or restlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Loss of muscle coordination or uncontrollable muscle twitching <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Muscle rigidity <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Increased sweating, shivering, or goosebumps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Diarrhea <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Headache <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Dilated pupils <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Confusion or altered consciousness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                With any SSRI, there is a potential for withdrawal syndrome when abruptly stopping the medication or decreasing the dose. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider when you are thinking about discontinuing an SSRI medication, including Zoloft. Your healthcare provider will work with you to slowly decrease the dose so that you are less likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Zoloft Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                As always, it is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements, with your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Some common drug interactions associated with Zoloft include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Serotonin syndrome: increased risk with other medications that increase serotonin, with the most common including:\n
                    \n
                  • Recreational drugs like MDMA or ecstasy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • ADHD medications, such as Adderall, increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Antipsychotic medications <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Tricyclic antidepressants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Buspar <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Some migraine medications, including sumatriptan, rizatriptan, tramadol <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Lithium <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • St. John\u2019s Wort<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). These medications must be stopped 14 days before starting an SSRI.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications: increase the risk of bleeding <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Specific antibiotics and antifungal medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Opioids, including methadone <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Some anti-nausea medications, such as ondansetron or Zofran <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Thiazide diuretics: increase risk of hyponatremia <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t
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